Jenner to Return, Werenski Questionable for Blue Jackets

Columbus captain Boone Jenner expected to play, but defensemen Zach Werenski and Dante Fabbro's status uncertain for matchup with Panthers.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner is expected to return to the lineup against the Florida Panthers after missing the previous game with a lower-body injury. However, the status of defensemen Zach Werenski (illness) and Dante Fabbro (undisclosed) remains uncertain, with coach Rick Bowness saying they will make a decision closer to game time.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets are in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, so getting key players like Jenner back in the lineup is crucial. Werenski's absence was noticeable in recent games, so his potential return could provide a boost to the team's defense.

The details

Jenner participated in the morning skate and told reporters he will play after missing the previous game. As for Werenski and Fabbro, Bowness said he will give them as much time as needed to get to 100% before deciding if they can play. Goaltender Jet Greaves will make his second straight start in net for the Blue Jackets.

  • Jenner missed the Blue Jackets' 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on March 3 with a lower-body injury.
  • Werenski has missed the last two games after playing in the first two games following the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he helped the United States win a gold medal.

The players

Boone Jenner

Columbus Blue Jackets captain who is expected to return to the lineup after missing the previous game with a lower-body injury.

Zach Werenski

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman who is questionable to play against the Florida Panthers due to an illness.

Dante Fabbro

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman who is questionable to play against the Florida Panthers due to an undisclosed injury.

Rick Bowness

Columbus Blue Jackets head coach who said he will give Werenski and Fabbro as much time as needed to get to 100% before deciding if they can play.

Jet Greaves

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender who will make his second straight start in net.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to give (Werenski) as much time as he needs. There's no way in heck I'd ever put a player on the ice unless he's 100%. That's not going to happen. Whenever you put a player out there who's not 100%, you run up the chances of him getting injured and we'll never do that. So, we'll make sure that when he plays, he's 100%.”

— Rick Bowness, Columbus Blue Jackets head coach (dispatch.com)

“When you can win a couple games in a row when you're without your elite defenseman that plays 28 important minutes, yeah, it's a good sign. As I told them after the second period (against the Predators), 'Good teams find a way to win games,' and we had to find a way to win that game, and we did.”

— Rick Bowness, Columbus Blue Jackets head coach (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.